COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS
AP Top 25 Rankings After Week 1: LSU Rises, Oregon Slides, Michigan Falls Out
LSU moved into the top 10, Oregon fell from No. 2 to No. 6, and Michigan dropped out of the first regular-season AP Top 25 after a dramatic opening weekend.
By the Only the Overs Research Desk · Reviewed September 8, 2026
What this guide answers
This rankings update records the official Week 2 movement, explains the game evidence behind it, and separates poll position from the inputs used in football prediction models.
- Ohio State remains No. 1 with 46 first-place votes
- LSU moved into the top 10
- Oregon fell four spots to No. 6
- Michigan dropped out after its 13-12 win over Western Michigan
The top of the poll changed around Ohio State
Ohio State remained No. 1 by a wide margin and received 46 first-place votes from the 69-person panel. Georgia, Notre Dame, Texas, and Indiana each moved up one position as Oregon fell. Indiana received eight first-place votes, the second-highest total, while the remaining first-place votes were distributed across several teams.
Oregon slipped and LSU climbed
Oregon moved from No. 2 to No. 6 after a 34-27 win over Boise State. The Ducks still won, but the closer-than-expected result gave voters new comparative evidence. LSU entered the top 10 after a decisive win over Clemson in Lane Kiffin's debut. Miami, LSU, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M completed the official top 10 behind Ohio State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Texas, Indiana, and Oregon.
Michigan fell out after winning
Michigan dropped from No. 16 to unranked after defeating Western Michigan 13-12. The Wolverines required a second Hail Mary attempt after one second was restored to the clock, and JJ Buchanan caught the winning touchdown. The result shows that poll movement reflects performance and expectations, not only wins and losses.
What the poll means for Week 2
No. 1 Ohio State visits No. 4 Texas, while Michigan hosts Oklahoma, Oregon travels to Oklahoma State, and Arizona State plays at No. 8 Texas A&M. The new rankings make those games easier to frame for viewers, but Saturday will replace another layer of preseason expectation with current evidence.
Rank is not a point spread
AP position is ordinal and opinion-based. Prediction models should use team efficiency, opponent strength, pace, injuries, weather, and venue rather than inserting poll movement as a direct scoring adjustment. Sports wagering involves risk; rankings do not guarantee outcomes, and confidence should remain proportional to the underlying evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Who is No. 1 in the Week 2 AP Top 25 for 2026?
Ohio State remained No. 1 and received 46 of the 69 first-place votes.
Where is Oregon ranked after Week 1?
Oregon fell from No. 2 to No. 6 after defeating Boise State 34-27.
Is Michigan still ranked?
No. Michigan dropped out of the AP Top 25 after its 13-12 victory over Western Michigan.
Use current data, not a frozen claim.
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